A free home survey is a complimentary, no-obligation visit by a stairlift assessor who comes to your home, measures your staircase, checks suitability, and provides a written quote tailored to your specific situation. No payment, no pressure, no commitment required. According to What to Expect During a Straight Stairlift Home Survey, a standard visit typically takes between half an hour and an hour and covers staircase dimensions, landing space, power supply, and mobility needs.
The core outputs of a free home evaluation are:
- Precise measurements of your staircase (length, width, rise, curvature)
- Suitability check covering obstructions, power access, and structural factors
- Written, no-obligation quote with model options matched to your home
Key takeaways
A free stairlift home survey is a complimentary, no-obligation visit that produces precise measurements, a suitability check, and a written quote, giving you everything needed to make a confident decision.
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Survey is free and no-obligation | The visit, measurements, and written quote carry no charge and no commitment to proceed. |
| Typical duration is 30–60 minutes | Curved staircases or complex landings may extend the visit beyond an hour. |
| Prepare before the assessor arrives | Clear the staircase, have the user's height and weight ready, and note any access details. |
| Ask about all options | Straight, curved, reconditioned, and rental stairlifts should all be discussed during the visit. |
| Gentlerise Stairlifts | Offers free surveys, straight stairlifts from £795, Protect+ aftercare, and rental options across the UK. |
Table of Contents
- What does a free home survey include?
- How long does the survey take, and who should be there?
- How to prepare your home before the assessor arrives
- What the assessor measures: a technical checklist
- What happens after the survey: quote, installation, and aftercare
- What 'free' actually covers and when charges might apply
- Questions to ask during the home survey
- Red flags to watch for and how to choose a reputable provider
- A note from the team at Gentlerise Stairlifts
- Book a free home survey with Gentlerise Stairlifts
- Sources
- FAQ
What does a free home survey include?
The assessor arrives with a tape measure and a methodical eye. They work through your staircase systematically, checking every dimension that affects how a stairlift rail is designed and fitted.
Measurement tasks cover stair length, individual step rise and tread depth, overall width, and any curvature in the flight. They also look at the condition of the floor surface, whether carpeting is loose, and whether existing handrails would interfere with a rail or seat.
Beyond the physical staircase, the assessor asks questions about the primary user. How do you transfer from a chair? Do you prefer a swivel seat? Are there any weight or height considerations? These details directly influence which model is recommended.
Power and structural checks follow. The assessor locates the nearest socket, checks landing space at the top and bottom of the stairs, and notes whether wall fixings are feasible. None of this involves drilling or installation work during the survey itself. The visit is purely observational and advisory.
Pro Tip: Ask the assessor to walk you through each measurement as they take it. Understanding why stair width matters for seat clearance, for example, helps you compare quotes more confidently later.
How long does the survey take, and who should be there?
Most surveys run for between half an hour and an hour. Curved staircases, split-level landings, or homes with multiple users can extend this to a longer duration, since curved rail design requires more detailed measurement.
The person who will use the stairlift should be present wherever possible. Their physical comfort, transfer ability, and daily routine shape the recommendation. A carer or family member attending alongside is genuinely useful: they often ask questions the primary user forgets, and they can help the assessor understand the full picture.
If the primary user cannot be present, a family member or carer attending alone is acceptable. Have relevant details ready:
- The user's approximate height and weight
- Any existing mobility aids (walking frames, wheelchairs)
- Details of any medical conditions affecting posture or grip
- Whether the stairlift is needed urgently or for planned future use
After the visit, expect a written follow-up with the full quote and options. Most providers offer flexible booking windows, including weekday and weekend slots.
How to prepare your home before the assessor arrives
A little preparation makes the visit smoother and the quote more accurate. Clear a path along the full length of the staircase so the assessor can move freely from bottom to top without stepping over obstacles.
Remove loose rugs from the stairs and hallway. Secure any trailing cables near the staircase. If you have pets, arrange for them to be in another room during the visit.
Pro Tip: If you have any existing photos of your staircase taken from the bottom looking up, share them when you book. Some assessors use these to prepare in advance, which can shorten the visit.
Have the following information ready before the assessor arrives:
- The primary user's height and weight (relevant for seat and weight-limit specifications)
- Details of any previous mobility aids or adaptations already in place
- Parking availability or access notes if your property has restricted access
- Contact details for a carer or family member if they cannot attend in person
What the assessor measures: a technical checklist
Precise measurement is what separates a well-fitted stairlift from one that causes problems on day one. Professional measurement services exist specifically to reduce installation issues and improve safety by capturing curves, landings, and dimensions accurately.
Key measurements taken during the survey:
- Stair width: determines seat size and whether the rail can be fitted without blocking foot traffic
- Total rise: the full vertical height from bottom to top landing, used to calculate rail length
- Individual step rise and tread depth: affects the rail gradient and motor specification
- Curvature radius: for curved staircases, this determines whether a bespoke curved rail is needed
- Landing length at top and bottom: confirms whether the stairlift can park safely out of the way
| Measurement | How it affects your stairlift |
|---|---|
| Stair width | Determines seat width and folded footrest clearance |
| Total rise | Sets rail length and motor power requirement |
| Curvature radius | Triggers bespoke curved rail design if present |
| Landing length | Confirms safe parking position at top and bottom |
| Socket location | Determines cable routing and whether an extension is needed |
The assessor also checks headroom at the top of the stairs, the position of any doors opening onto the landing, and whether the wall surface can support rail fixings. If no socket is nearby, options such as a discreet cable run are noted in the quote.
What happens after the survey: quote, installation, and aftercare
Once the assessor has all measurements, you receive a written quote covering the models that suit your home. Options typically include new straight stairlifts, bespoke curved models, reconditioned stairlifts, and short-term rental arrangements for temporary mobility needs.
Straight stairlift installations are often completed within hours of the fitting date. Curved models require a bespoke rail to be manufactured first, which extends the lead time. A typical straight track installation takes a few hours on the day.
Post-installation, the assessor or installer will walk you through the controls, safety features, and charging routine. Aftercare options include the Protect+ maintenance programme from Gentlerise Stairlifts, which covers scheduled servicing and priority call-outs. A service contract gives you predictable costs and the reassurance that any fault is handled promptly.
Post-survey steps at a glance:
- Review the written quote and compare model options
- Confirm whether a straight, curved, reconditioned, or rental solution fits your needs and budget
- Ask about installation lead times and any preparation needed at home
- Discuss Protect+ or an equivalent aftercare plan before signing
What 'free' actually covers and when charges might apply
The free home survey covers the assessor's time, all measurements, the suitability check, and the written quote. There is no charge for the visit itself, and no obligation to proceed.
Charges can arise in specific circumstances. If you request bespoke technical drawings for planning purposes, or a detailed structural report beyond the standard survey scope, some providers charge for that additional work. These are optional extras, not standard inclusions.
| Included in a free survey | Potential paid extras |
|---|---|
| Staircase measurements | Bespoke technical drawings |
| Suitability and safety check | Detailed structural report |
| Written, itemised quote | Additional site visits for complex properties |
| Model recommendations | Specialist access equipment for unusual staircases |
| Mobility needs assessment | Rush or out-of-hours survey appointments |
For price guidance, Gentlerise Stairlifts lists straight stairlifts from £795, with installation often completed within hours. Curved and reconditioned models carry different pricing, which the written quote will itemise clearly.
Questions to ask during the home survey
Arriving with a short list of questions means you leave the visit with everything you need to make a confident decision. A full questions guide for local stairlift companies covers this in detail, but the essentials are:
- Which model do you recommend for my staircase, and why?
- Is a reconditioned or rental option available for my situation?
- What does the guarantee cover, and for how long?
- Who carries out the installation, and what are their qualifications?
- What does the Protect+ maintenance programme include, and what does it cost?
- How long will installation take, and what disruption should I expect?
- Can you provide references or local case studies from similar properties?
- Are all optional extras itemised separately in the written quote?
Write these down before the visit. The assessor should answer every one without hesitation. Vague or evasive answers to guarantee or aftercare questions are worth noting.
Red flags to watch for and how to choose a reputable provider
Pressure to sign on the day of the survey is the clearest warning sign. A reputable assessor provides a written quote and gives you time to consider it. No legitimate provider needs an immediate decision.
Other red flags:
- No written quote provided after the visit
- Vague or verbal-only guarantees
- No evidence of professional installation qualifications
- Reluctance to discuss aftercare or service plans
- No published pricing ranges or local survey guides
Trust signals worth looking for include documented guarantees, a structured maintenance programme such as Protect+, published pricing guidance, and signs of a trustworthy stairlift company such as local blog guides and verifiable case studies. Gentlerise Stairlifts publishes city-specific survey guides covering locations such as Manchester and Birmingham, which reflects the kind of local expertise worth seeking in any provider.
A note from the team at Gentlerise Stairlifts
When we visit your home, the survey is genuinely about finding the right answer for you, not the most expensive one. The assessor's job is to understand your staircase and your needs, then match them to the safest, most cost-effective option available. That might be a new straight stairlift, a reconditioned model, or a short-term rental while you recover from surgery.
The visit is non-invasive. Nothing is drilled, nothing is fitted, and there is no obligation whatsoever. We take the measurements, answer your questions, and leave you with a clear written quote. What you do with it is entirely your decision.
Book a free home survey with Gentlerise Stairlifts
Straight stairlifts from £795, with installation often completed the same day. Gentlerise Stairlifts offers a no-obligation, complimentary in-home assessment across the UK, covering straight, curved, reconditioned, and rental stairlift options.
To book, have your address, a brief description of your staircase (straight or curved, approximate number of steps), and the primary user's details ready. You can request a survey by phone, via the online contact form, or through your nearest local office. After the visit, the written quote will include all model options, Protect+ aftercare pricing, and any rental alternatives.
Book your free home survey and get a tailored quote with no commitment required.
Sources
Further reading and booking resources for UK homeowners:
- What to Expect During a Straight Stairlift Home Survey
FAQ
What is a free home survey for a stairlift?
A free home survey is a complimentary, no-obligation visit by a stairlift assessor who measures your staircase, checks suitability, and provides a written quote. It typically takes 30–60 minutes and covers dimensions, power supply, and mobility needs.
Does a free home survey commit me to buying?
No. The survey is entirely no-obligation. You receive a written quote after the visit and can take as much time as you need before deciding.
What stairlift options will the assessor discuss?
The assessor will cover new straight stairlifts, curved models, reconditioned stairlifts, and short-term rental options, recommending the best fit based on your staircase measurements and mobility needs.
How quickly can a stairlift be installed after the survey?
Straight stairlift installations are often completed within hours of the fitting date. Curved models require a bespoke rail to be manufactured first, so lead times are longer.
What is the Protect+ maintenance programme?
Protect+ is Gentlerise Stairlifts' aftercare plan, covering scheduled servicing and priority call-outs to keep your stairlift running safely after installation.